Stakeholder Interviews
Stakeholder interviews provide insights into project context and business goals, fostering stakeholder support.
Stakeholders are individuals with an interest in or involvement with the project.
Stakeholder interviews aim to shape the design process, define success metrics, and meet stakeholder expectations.
Why Do a Stakeholder Interview?
Gather context and history of the project.
Identify business goals and key results.
Align on a shared vision.
Increase buy-in and communication.
When Should You Do Them?
Ideally early in the project or initiative.
Kick off a project, welcome new stakeholders, or reset after issues arise.
How to Conduct a Stakeholder Interview
Set a clear goal for the interview.
Prepare relevant questions based on high-level topics.
Types of questions include success metrics, priorities, history, and process/workflow.
Introduce yourself, create rapport, and explain the purpose of the interview.
Conduct the interview one-on-one, focusing on active listening.
Ask open-ended and probing questions to gather insights.
Wrap up with a final question about other stakeholders to speak with.
Send a follow-up thank-you email.
Alternative Approach: Email Questions
If synchronous meetings are not possible, email stakeholders with narrowed-down questions.
Consider creating a stakeholder survey for larger groups.
Using the Insights
Analysis can be lightweight or systematic based on the number of stakeholders interviewed.
Thematic analysis helps identify concerns, success metrics, and ideas mentioned by multiple stakeholders.
Takeaways inform project aspects such as research, ideation, priorities, timeline, resources, and stakeholder-engagement plans.
Conclusion
UX-stakeholder interviews shape the design process, define success metrics, and save time and resources.
Lay the foundation for successful relationships with stakeholders.
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